U.S. patent application number 12/195294 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for drain plug and port assembly.
Invention is credited to Alfredo Alvarez.
Application Number | 20090050043 12/195294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40380973 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090050043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alvarez; Alfredo |
February 26, 2009 |
DRAIN PLUG AND PORT ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A drain plug apparatus for draining a container that is
particularly suited for transom drains in recreational boats is
shown. The apparatus has a threaded drain plug that couples with a
flanged tubular drain port with upper and lower sets of threads
separated by a section without threads and at least one drain hole,
in one embodiment. The distal end of the drain port has a number of
slits that secure and orient the drain plug at the opening of the
port in an open or closed position.
Inventors: |
Alvarez; Alfredo; (Rancho
Cordova, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN P. O'BANION;O'BANION & RITCHEY LLP
400 CAPITOL MALL SUITE 1550
SACRAMENTO
CA
95814
US
|
Family ID: |
40380973 |
Appl. No.: |
12/195294 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60956777 |
Aug 20, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/197 ;
114/183R; 251/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 13/00 20130101;
F16K 24/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/197 ;
251/216; 114/183.R |
International
Class: |
B63B 13/00 20060101
B63B013/00; F16K 31/44 20060101 F16K031/44 |
Claims
1. A drain plug apparatus, comprising: a tubular body having a
central channel with at least one sidewall orifice, an expandable
end with a plurality of longitudinal slits and internal threads;
and a threaded drain plug sized to mate with the internal threads
of said tubular body; wherein said expandable end of said tubular
body is configured to radially expand when said threaded drain plug
is inserted in said channel of said tubular drain port.
2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said tubular body
further comprises a mounting flange.
3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said internal
threads of said tubular body further comprises: a first set of
internal threads; and a second set of internal threads; wherein
said first set of internal threads and said second set of internal
threads are separated by an internal section without threads.
4. An apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said first set of
internal threads of said threaded tubular body have tapered threads
and said second set of internal threads are straight threads.
5. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said threaded drain
plug further comprises a tapered top.
6. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said threaded drain
plug further comprises a handle.
7. An apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said threaded drain
plug further comprises a lever coupled to said handle.
8. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein a diameter of said
threads of said threaded drain plug is greater than the diameter of
an opening of said expandable end of said tubular body.
9. A drain plug apparatus, comprising: a drain plug having a
handle, shaft and threaded top; and a tubular body having a central
channel with at least one sidewall orifice, an expandable end with
a plurality of longitudinal slits, a first set of internal threads
and said second set of internal threads separated by a section
without threads; wherein said expandable end of said tubular body
is configured to radially expand when said threaded tip of said
drain plug is advanced through said first set of internal
threads.
10. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said tubular body
further comprises a mounting flange.
11. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said tubular body
further comprises a central channel that varies in cross-sectional
diameter along the length of said tubular body.
12. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said threaded drain
plug further comprises a lever coupled to said handle.
13. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said shaft of said
threaded drain plug has a cross-sectional diameter that is less
than the cross-sectional diameter of said central channel of said
tubular body.
14. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said section of
said shaft of said threaded drain plug has a cross-sectional
diameter that is less than the cross-sectional diameter of said
central channel of said tubular body.
15. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said first set of
internal threads of said threaded tubular body are straight threads
and said second set of internal threads are tapered threads.
16. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein said section of
said channel without threads has a cross-sectional diameter that
greater than the cross section of said drain plug, wherein said
drain plug can slide longitudinally when the threaded top is
advanced through said first set of threads.
17. An in-hull drain apparatus, comprising: a flanged port
configured to fit into a drain hole recess on a boat's hull; said
flanged port having upper and lower threaded stages, and a sidewall
between the upper and lower threaded stages; said flanged port
having at least one drain hole located in the sidewall between the
upper and lower threaded stages; and an elongated drain plug; said
drain plug having means for tightening and loosening the drain plug
in said flanged port; said drain plug configured for insertion into
an opening in said flanged port between said upper and lower
threaded stages; wherein, the drain plug is positioned in the
flanged port, fluid transfer through the drain holes located in the
sidewall between the upper and lower threaded stages can be
controlled by moving the drain plug between a first closed position
and a second open position.
18. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said lower
threaded stage of said flanged port and said drain plug have
matched tapered threads.
19. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said means for
tightening and loosening said drain plug comprises a lever coupled
to a handle.
20. An apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein said drain plug
can be secured in the open position by engagement with said upper
threaded stage of said flanged port.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/956,777 filed on Aug. 20, 2007,
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention pertains generally to fluid relief valves,
and more particularly to a drain plug assembly that has a threaded
drain plug that is configured to mate with a tubular port that has
a flared and slotted end that prohibits the accidental removal of
the plug from the port of the assembly during use, while permitting
full separation of the plug from the assembly when necessary.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Numerous valves and plugs have been devised to control the
flow of fluid to and from the interior of containers and vessels.
Such valved or plugged openings are often designed to allow
collected fluid to drain from the container. For example, many
types of marine vessels use a bore through the transom to permit
the flow of accumulated bilge water out of the interior or engine
well of the vessel when the vessel is removed from the water. The
bore is normally positioned at a low point on the transom of the
hull to facilitate the drainage of fluid out of the hull by forces
of gravity. In the case of recreational boats, the boat typically
is removed from the water on a trailer and then the plug is removed
from the trans-hull bore when the boat is at an incline on the boat
launch ramp. Water is thereby allowed to drain from the hull prior
to transportation or storage of the boat.
[0008] Removal of water from the hull of a marine vessel is
important in order to avoid damage to the mechanical and electrical
components of the vessel as well as the hull during transportation
or storage. For example, water left in the hull of the vessel can
result in structural damage if allowed to freeze during storage and
may also be the source of rot, corrosion, mold, mildew and unwanted
odors. In addition, water may accumulate in the hull from rain or
melting snow during storage. The level of existing water in the
hull may be increased from these additional water sources and can
infiltrate the fuel, mechanical and electrical systems of the
vessel causing damage to these systems. High interior water levels
may also cause damage to the contents of vessel. Consequently,
recreational boats are routinely transported and stored with the
plug removed from the transom drainage bore of the vessel.
[0009] Many types of transom drain plugs are known in the art. Some
plugs are made of rubber and may include a means for compressing
the plug to increase the frictional force exerted by the plug in
the transom drainage bore and reduce the chance of unintentional
removal of the plug during use of the vessel. Other common plugs
include threaded metal plugs that are advanced upon corresponding
threads in a flange or collar disposed in the transom bore.
[0010] Conventional drainage plugs must be manually inserted into
the transom bore prior to launching the vessel into the water. If
the vessel is launched without the proper placement of the plug,
water can enter the engine compartment and hull of the vessel
through the drainage bore which creates a risk of sinking or
internal damage to the vessel if the failure to place the plug is
not discovered. Replacement of the plug while the vessel is in the
water can often be difficult because of the placement of the bore
far below the waterline and the difficulties encountered while
attempting to thread the plug in the bore under water.
[0011] Operation of the vessel that has a drainage bore is not
possible without the proper placement of the plug. As an
independent component, the plug can be misplaced or lost after
removal. Storage of the plug in a secure place may not provide easy
access to the plug if the vessel is launched without the plug in
place.
[0012] Accordingly, in order to avoid the risk of sinking or damage
to a vessel after launch, there is a need to have a drain that can
be conveniently opened and closed without the need to independently
store the plug during transportation and storage of the vessel. The
present invention satisfies this need, as well as others, and
generally overcomes the limitations of the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is a container plug that allows the
user to regulate the flow of contents to or from a container when
open and to seal the contents of the container when the drain is
closed.
[0014] By way of example, and not of limitation, one embodiment of
the invention is adapted for use as a drain plug for a boat.
Although a boat plug is used for illustration, it will be
understood that the assembly can be adapted for use on any type of
container to permit the flow of liquids, gasses or other fluids
from the container.
[0015] One drawback of prior boat plugs, for example, is that the
user often forgets to insert the transom plug or looses the plug
during drainage or transportation of the boat. The apparatus of the
present invention provides a plug and port assembly that will not
allow the plug to be inadvertently removed from the drainage bore
or lost during drainage or transportation of the boat or container.
One embodiment of the present invention will also allow the quick
and easy insertion of the plug under the waterline or closure of
the drain if the boat owner forgets to plug the transom drain after
launching the boat.
[0016] The drain plug assembly of the invention has two associated
members: a plug and a drain port. The drain port includes a tubular
drain body with a central channel and transverse bores. The drain
port transects the wall of the container and is securely mounted to
the container wall. The drain port body can vary in size to permit
the release of differing volumes of fluids from the container over
time through the central channel and bores of the port.
[0017] The central bore of the tubular drain body has two sets of
inner threads preferably separated by an unthreaded section that
has one or more transverse bores that open the central channel and
permit the flow of fluid out of the body of the drain port.
[0018] The tubular drain port body also includes a plurality of
longitudinal slits on one end of the body that permits the
circumferential expansion of the resulting sections of the distal
end of the drain port body during insertion of the plug into the
top set of threads in the opening of the drain port of the
container. The opposite end of the drain port body preferably has a
mounting flange to secure the drain port to the inside surface or
outside surface of the container. The mounting flange can be
secured to the wall of the container by fasteners such as screws,
bolts or adhesives.
[0019] The first set of threads on the interior of the drain port
body is on the end with the mounting flange. In one embodiment, the
interior channel with the first set of threads is slightly tapered
in the direction of the end of the body with the mounting flange.
The second set of threads is placed on the end of the body farthest
from the mounting flange and these threads are sectioned by the
lengthwise slits.
[0020] The drain plug is generally cylindrical with a threaded tip
section on one end and a handle on the other end. The diameter of
the threaded tip is preferably slightly larger than the diameter of
the interior threads of the second set of threads. The slots allow
the distal end to expand radially and circumferentially when the
threaded tip of plug is advanced through the second set of threads
toward the interior of the body of the port and then to return to
the original position. The threaded tip of the plug then engages
the first set of threads on the interior of the tube that seals the
channel closed when the tip is fully tightened within the threads
of the drain port. In one embodiment, the threaded tip is slightly
tapered so that it provides a fluid tight fit to seal the drain
port.
[0021] Accordingly, fluid may be drained by unscrewing the plug
handle until it separates from the first set of threads and back to
expose the transverse bores in the sidewalls of the drain port
body. The threads from the tip of the plug can then engage the
second set of threads. Rotation of the body will become
substantially difficult to indicate to the user to stop unscrewing
the drain plug. The plug should be secured by the pressure exerted
by the slightly flared section of threads of the port on to the
back threads of the threaded tip of the plug. The threads of the
flared end of the drain port body keep the plug firmly in the drain
opening when the plug is in the open position and therefore the
plug will not be inadvertently removed when the drain is initially
opened or during the draining of the container. In addition, the
drain port can be opened or closed without the need to orient,
insert and rotate the drain plug within a flow of fluid exiting the
container since the plug is always oriented within the drain
opening of the container.
[0022] It can be seen that the drain plug need not be removed from
the port after installation since the fluid drains through the
central channel and out of the transverse bores that are preferably
exposed without removing the plug from the second set of threads.
In addition, even though it is unnecessary to completely remove the
drain plug to open the drain, it will be seen that the plug can be
completely removed from the container by forceful rotation of the
plug expanding the second set of threads in the slotted end of the
drain port body. The plug can then be transferred to another
container if desired or replaced in the drain port of the container
at a later time.
[0023] In the case of a boat, the drain plug can be easily opened
and closed even in the water because the plug is oriented over the
drain port. Upon removal of the boat from the water, the handle of
the plug is rotated to open the drain plug to drain bilge water,
typically when the boat is resting on a trailer that is on the
boat-launching ramp.
[0024] When the drain plug is removed from the first set of
threads, bilge water can drain through central channel of the port
and out of bores. It can be seen that the drain plug will not
inadvertently fall out of the port when draining or transporting
the container because of the engagement of the plug with the
threads of the port. The flow of water from the bilge can also be
easily stopped and started before the entire contents of the bilge
are eliminated. The boat may also be transported with the drain in
the open position because the slotted section of the port will keep
the plug secure during transportation. The drain plug can also be
conveniently stored in the transom opening and will not be lost
during storage.
[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, a drain plug
assembly is provided that has a drain port with a tubular body with
an interior threaded, expandable end that is configured to radially
expand when a drain plug is initially advanced into the threaded
drain port of a container.
[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, a drain plug
assembly is provided that secures that plug in an open position in
a proximity and orientation so that the plug can be quickly and
easily placed in a closed position.
[0027] A further aspect of the invention provides a drain plug
apparatus for a marine vessel having a drain plug and a threaded
tubular port that has a cylindrical body with a central channel and
a plurality of transverse bores fluidly connected to the central
channel and a mounting flange. The cylindrical body of the port
also has a plurality of internal threads and lengthwise slits at
one end configured to expand if a plug with a larger bore that the
channel is advanced through the threads, and a plug with a
cylindrical body with a threaded tip that is sized to be greater
than or equal to the diameter of the threaded tubular port.
[0028] A still further aspect of the invention is to provide a
durable drain plug assembly that can be variable in size and
material composition that is easy to manufacture and use.
[0029] Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a means
for regulating the volume of the flow of liquid from a
container.
[0030] Accordingly, another aspect of the invention is an in-hull
drain apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes (a) a
drain port with a flange configured to fit into a drain hole recess
on a boat's hull, where the port has upper and lower threaded
stages, and a sidewall between the upper and lower threaded stages,
and where the port has at least one drain hole located in the
sidewall between the upper and lower threaded stages; and (b) an
elongated drain plug configured for insertion into an opening
between the upper and lower threaded stages, where the drain plug
has means for securing or loosening the drain plug, such as a
handle and/or through-handle holes allowing the insertion of a
screwdriver or other device through the holes for additional
leverage; (c) wherein, when the drain plug is positioned in the
port, water transfer through the drain holes located in the
sidewall between the upper and lower threaded stages can be
controlled by moving the drain plug between a first closed position
and a second open position.
[0031] Further aspects of the invention will be brought out in the
following portions of the specification, wherein the detailed
description is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred
embodiments of the invention without placing limitations
thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to
the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes
only:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective depiction of one embodiment of a
drain plug assembly with the plug and port components separated
according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a side view of the drain port component of the
drain plug assembly embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the drain port
component shown in FIG. 2 taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a side view of a drain plug component of the
embodiment of the drain plug shown in FIG. 1 according to the
present invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a plug and drain
port assembly in the "closed" position with the plug and port
components coupled together according to the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a plug and drain
port assembly in the "open" position with the plug and port
components coupled together according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Referring more specifically to the drawings, for
illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the
apparatus generally shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 6. It will be
appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as
to details of the parts without departing from the basic concepts
as disclosed herein. The present invention pertains to a container
plug and port assembly that can be used to drain and seal the
container and the drain plug will not be inadvertently removed
during use. The drain plug assembly 10 of the present invention may
be sized to fit many different containers such as those commonly
used with a transom of a conventional boat. Although a transom
drain of a typical powerboat is used as an illustration of a type
of container and is not meant to be limiting.
[0040] Referring first to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the drain plug
assembly 10 according to the invention with the drain port 12
disengaged from the drain plug 14 is shown. The drain plug 14 is
generally cylindrical body and has a threaded tip 16 and a handle
20. The threads of the threaded tip 16 initially engage
corresponding threads 18 in the interior of the tubular drain port
12.
[0041] Referring also to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the preferred drain
port 12 comprises a generally cylindrical body 24 with a
longitudinal central channel 26 through the length of the body 12.
The drain body 12 has a circumferential flange 22 at the proximal
end of the body 24 that is used to anchor the drain port 12 to the
wall of a container. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has
countersunk screw holes 28 to permit the cylindrical body 24 of
port 12 to be disposed through a bore in the container wall and the
flange to be mounted to the inside wall of the container with
screws.
[0042] The body 24 of the drain port 12 also includes a plurality
of radial bores 30 through the sidewall of the cylindrical body 24,
which open the central channel 26 to the exterior of the body 24.
Although two pairs of transverse bores are shown in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1, it will be understood that any number of bores can
be used and positioned in the sidewalls of cylindrical body 24. In
one embodiment, a single bore 30 is used to permit the directional
flow of fluid from the container through channel 26 of cylindrical
body 24 of drain port 12.
[0043] Not only can the number of bores 30 in the body 24 vary, the
diameter of the bores 16 can be varied as well to regulate the rate
of flow of fluid through the body 12 of drain port 24. The length
of the cylindrical body 24 can also vary to achieve desired
drainage rates. Different sized bores 30 may also be placed at
different positions along the length of the body 24 to regulate and
change the rate of drainage from the container depending on the
position of the plug 14 in channel 26, in an alternative
embodiment.
[0044] The distal end of cylindrical body 24 also has a plurality
of notches or slits 32 in the end that begin at the end of the
opening of the central channel 26 and extending longitudinally
along a portion of the length of the port cylindrical body 24. It
can be seen that the slots 32 will allow the distal end of the body
24 to radially expand slightly during installation of plug 14 and
subsequent use. One or more slits 30 can be used to allow varying
amounts of radial compression on drain the plug 14.
[0045] As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the interior surface of
cylindrical body 24 is threaded with one or more sets of threads.
In the embodiment shown, there are two sets of interior threads
separated by a center section without threads. The first set of
threads 18 are at the distal end of body 24 and are transected by
the linear slits 32. As a consequence, the first set of threads can
accommodate a corresponding set of threads 16 on the tip of the
drain plug 14 that are slightly larger than the diameter of the
channel 26 because the section can expand circumferentially due to
the slits 32. Pressure is exerted on the threads 16 of the drain
plug 14 by each expanded section 34 of the distal end of the
cylindrical body 24. It will be seen that once the threads 16 of
the tip section of the plug 14 are advanced through the first set
of threads 18, the distal sections 34 will contract radially back
to the original position and the torque necessary for axial
rotation of the drain plug 14 will be greatly reduced.
[0046] The second set of threads 36 in the interior of cylindrical
body 24 is located at the proximal end of the body 24. In one
embodiment, threads 36 have a slowly decreasing diameter so that
threads 34 have a gradual taper that decreases from the center
toward the proximal end of the channel 26 of body 24. The threads
will provide an increasingly tighter fit within threaded opening 36
as the threads 16 of the plug 14 are advanced thereby providing a
fluid-tight seal. There are many types of threads known in the art
that can be used depending on the contents of the container and
whether the contents are under pressure including NPT, NPTF, NPSM,
BSPT, BSPP threads and the like. However, 1/2-NPT X 12 threads are
preferred.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 4, the drain plug 14 preferably has a
handle 20 that will facilitate the rotation of the handle 20 and
plug shaft 38 and threaded tip 16. The handle 20 can be disc shaped
to fit the hand and to increase leverage on the handle and the
applied torque. The handle 20 permits the orientation and axial
rotation of the drain plug 14 with the drain port 12 of the
assembly 10.
[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a receptacle 40 in the
handle 20 is provided accommodate a rod (not shown) or screwdriver
shaft to increase the forces applied to the handle 20 and the ease
of use of the rotation of the handle 20. Handle 20 may also have a
shaped end that is configured to engage a standard wrench or may
include a socket or other tooling system that will assist with the
rotation of the plug body 14 during use.
[0049] The shaft 38 of the drain plug 14 may have a smaller
diameter than the threaded tip 16. The shaft 38 of the plug is
preferably solid metal. However, in one embodiment, the shaft 38 is
tubular.
[0050] In use, the two components 12,14 of the drain plug assembly
10 are separated and the drain port 12 is placed and mounted in a
properly sized hole in the wall of a container. The flange 22 can
be mounted with any suitable set of fasteners. The flange 22 may
also secure a seal or sealant to eliminate leaking around the port
if necessary depending on the type of fluids or type of
container.
[0051] Referring also to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the threads of threaded
tip section 16 of the drain plug 14 engage and are advanced through
the first set of threads 18 of the distal opening of the drain port
12 that is mounted to the container or boat.
[0052] The distal end of the tubular body 24 of port 12 radially
expands facilitated by slits 32 when the threaded tip 16 of the
plug 14 advances through the threads 18 of the drain port 12. Once
the threads 16 of the tip of the drain plug have advanced through
the first set of threads 18 of the drain port, the distal end body
24 contracts and returns to the original resting position. The
threads 18 of the port only surround the shaft 38 and the assembly
is in the "open" position. It can be seen that fluid from the
interior of the container can travel through the channel 26 and out
of the bore holes 30 to the exterior.
[0053] The drain plug 14 can slide lengthwise within the center
portion of the drain port 12 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3
until the threaded tip 16 engages the second set of threads 36 of
the port 12. If the plug body 14 continues to be advanced, the
threads 16 of the plug will fully engage the second set of threads
36 of the port 12 and provide a water-tight seal. The plug is now
in the fully "closed" position and water is incapable of entering
or being eliminated through the transom, for example, as shown in
FIG. 5. In one embodiment, the tip threads 16 of the plug and the
second set of threads 36 of the body 24 have the same corresponding
taper and provide a strong seal.
[0054] In the boat adaptation, the drain plug 14 may be opened when
the boat is withdrawn from the water to permit the removal of bilge
water. As seen in FIG. 6, the drain plug 14 is rotated axially
until the threads 16 of the tip section of the plug disengage the
second set threads 36 of the opening of the drain port 12 allowing
the flow of fluid through channel 26. The plug can continue to
slide away from the container until the back threads of the plug
tip 16 encounter the first set of threads 18. Continued rotation of
the plug 14 will increase the pressure on the plug threads 16 from
expansion of the slotted port sections 34 securing the drain plug
14 in an "open" position while the container is drained.
[0055] The drain plug 14 need not be completely removed from the
drain port 12 to drain the container and the plug body can be
placed securely within the first set of threads 18 of the port 12
during draining. Therefore, it can be seen that the plug 14 will
not be lost during draining or misplaced after installation because
the plug 14 is never removed from the opening and is firmly engaged
with the first set of threads 18 in the opening during use. In
addition, the container can be transported with the drain assembly
in the "open" position because the plug 14 is firmly secured.
[0056] The plug of the invention is preferably made from materials
such as brass that do not readily corrode or oxidize or react with
the fluids and may additionally have coatings to avoid corrosive
interactions with liquids or gases. Special materials may also be
selected based on the expected temperature range to be experienced
by the fluids or the container.
[0057] Although the description above contains many details, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments of this invention. Therefore, it will be
appreciated that the scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those
skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is
accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended
claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not
intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated,
but rather "one or more." All structural, chemical, and functional
equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be
encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary
for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to
be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the
present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step
in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be
construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph,
unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means
for."
* * * * *